Jack grabs his key card and smiles as I lie in bed, reeling from the last hour. “Just off to the gym, darling.”
“I don’t know how you have the energy.”
He winks. “I told you, holidays make me horny and now I’m keen to check out the gym.”
He drops a light kiss on my cheek and whispers, “I’ve got a good feeling about this week.”
“Me too.” I stare at him with adoration and I know he loves every minute of it as he grins cockily and heads off. Feeling ungrateful, I sigh to myself. Why can’t I have it all? I have most things I want, except for one thing - a family.
Seeing the family at the airport reinforced the fact I want my own so hard it hurts. If only we could have our own family, my life would be complete. Maybe this week will the best time to broach the subject. Catch him when he’s relaxed and more agreeable; this could be the perfect time.
Deciding to take a cleansing shower, I allow the hot, steamy water to soothe my worries away. I could get used to this life. Thinking about the rich couple from the plane, I’m guessing this is their life 24/7 and I wonder what that feels like. To have everything and not worry about money with a husband that dotes on you and makes sure that everything is ok in your world.
Her husband was everything I want Jack to be and more. It strikes me that they don’t appear to have any children. Then again, maybe they do and they were left behind, with a nanny. Mind you, that woman’s figure doesn’t look as if she even has food inside her, let alone a baby. No, I’m guessing she’s childless, so at least we have that in common.
I wrap myself in a soft white robe and drift over to the balcony. As I lean on the edge, I gaze out at an image that I normally see on my computer screen. White sandy beach, turquoise waves, and a bright blue sky. The sun beats down on me and without thinking, I shift the robe from my shoulders, loving the way the gentle breeze caresses my heated skin.
Feeling decidedly wicked, I shrug off the robe and stretch out on the sun lounger, hoping this is as private as I think it is. It’s as if I’m on the edge of paradise and I close my eyes, immersing myself in relaxation.
A gentle knock on the door makes me sit up and reach for my robe. I know Jack took the key so it can’t be him, surely.
Quickly, I belt it tightly around my waist and head to open the door where I see a woman smiling from the hallway.
“I’m sorry to disturb you madam, but I have a gift for you. Compliments of the Lotus Lake Hotel and Spa.”
I blink as she thrusts the biggest bouquet of lotus blooms at me that blind me with their beauty. The scent hits me almost immediately, and I stare at her in surprise as she laughs. “We want to welcome you and hope that your stay here will be unforgettable.”
“Thank you, they are beautiful.”
She nods. “If you need anything at all, you only have to call. My name is Chloris and I am the housekeeper.”
“Thank you, um, Chloris. You are very kind.”
She smiles. “Dinner is on the terrace at 7pm, I’m sure you must be hungry.”
“I am, thank you.”
As she leaves, I head back into the room and place the vase on the side and admire the exotic bouquet. I almost have to pinch myself because things like this don’t happen to me. I’m a hairdresser from Luton and people like me don’t live this life. I could get used to it, though.
Returning to my sun lounger, I stretch out in contentment and just have the delicious thought of dinner to look forward to before a cosy night’s sleep in the huge emperor sized bed that we destroyed within minutes of getting here.
Thinking of my husband brings a smile to my face. How lucky am I? Jack was always the man every girl wanted. He stood out in a crowded room and drew admiring looks and wistful expressions. He was popular and certainly had his pick, but for some reason he was interested in me. He used to drop by the salon I worked in and make me laugh. Plague me for a date until I relented. Everyone warned me about what a player he was, but I was so blinded by him, I shrugged their comments aside. He was different with me. Kind, considerate and loving.
There have been a few indiscretions over the years. Once I almost left him. However, I was persuaded to give him another shot, us another shot, and I’m so glad I did because I am happy with Jack, just not complete.
Sighing, my thoughts return to the couple on the plane and I wonder what they’re doing now. Probably tucking their daughters into bed right now and planning their activities for the next day. Maybe that will be Jack and me next year, I certainly hope so, and maybe this holiday is the catalyst for change. Fingers crossed, anyway.